Save on Groceries – Plant a Garden

Are you overwhelmed by the price of groceries? Then grow your own!

My wife Ann and I have a large garden. It’s a beautiful way to eat and exercise, but rabbits, deer, and weeds can be a real challenge! Perennials like asparagus, raspberries and rhubarb return every year. We like easy-to-grow drought-resistant plants, and after years of trial and error, we’ve learned to only plant what we’ll really eat. A garden is a manufacturing marvel. Even in a short growing season, yields can provide a surplus capable of stretching into next year’s growing season. Like the year we harvested hundreds of sweet potatoes. Now if you have a patio, you can grow fruit, vegetables and herbs in pots. Or try vertical gardening. A community garden or shared space with a neighbor is another option. Or, try growing micro-greens and sprouts indoors.

If gardening doesn’t work for you, try these cost saving options: Organize your pantry so the oldest items are consumed first. This prevents waste. Keep a running grocery list and add sale items that you can find online. Shop store brands. Consumer Reports says they can save you 25% or more. Also plan your meals and time to cook. Skip pre-cut fruits and vegetables to save extra cash. Don’t forget digital and paper coupons, and if you’re into mobile apps, check out Flipp and Ibotta. God gave us a mind, soil, and seeds. Use them and save on groceries!

And if you’re stressed and unable to save because of credit card debt, I recommend Christian Credit Counselors. They’ll create a debt management plan specifically for you. For more information call the Crown Helpline at 800-722-1976 or visit us online at crown.org/ccc.